Thursday, October 22, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 22 - Where I've Been

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud
was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."
Anais Nin


I've been in a strange and lonely place. Unable to go backwards and too afraid to move forward. Armed with my newly created Mondo Beyondo list full of my deepest dreams, I completely freaked out when faced with the reality that I could make them come true. Over the last 48 hours a wave of fear and self-doubt so enormous swelled around me that I was completely knocked me off my feet.

But the time has come. So much for so long has been leading to this moment. Deep breath and here we go...

I am very excited to share with you that in April next year I am running my first art retreat at Sewjourn. Join me from Friday 23 - Monday 26 April 2010 for a weekend of collage, creativity and connecting.

The program for the weekend goes something like this:
  • Friday night - we'll spend the night getting to know each other starting with dinner at a local cafe or pub as well as settling in at Sewjourn. Bring a hand held project to work on in the evening.
  • Saturday - the morning will consist of explorations in paint techniques and background effects for collage. I'll also work with each individual to design your main collage piece that you'll complete on Sunday. In the afternoon we'll be stitching and trying our hands at different textile techniques. The evening will be free and will be an opportunity to play around with new techniques and ideas learned throughout the day, or spend some time on a project of your own.
  • Sunday - we'll spend the whole day on Sunday working on a signature collage piece. This will be a woman/angel that we've designed the previous day (don't worry if you're a complete beginner, I'll help you design something that you'll be delighted with). Sunday night will again be a free night. We'll have a fabulous dinner party together and work on personal projects in front of the fire.
  • Monday - we'll spend Monday morning on any finishing touches for the signature pieces and then move on to making a mini-collage using different techniques. After a late lunch it will be time to head home feeling renewed and energised, armed with lots of creative works and new ideas.
There'll be plenty of extra surprises, lots of time to connect and get to know each other, sleep-ins and pampering. The cost is $400 which covers accommodation, meals and the collage and mixed-media workshops. Additionally you'll need to purchase some art materials (list to be supplied) and pay for your own dinner on the first night.

If you'd like to join me on this adventure email me at tinniegirl(at)optusnet(dot)com(dot)au with April Retreat in the subject line. I'll send you all the fine detail about registration, deposits, etc, and of course answer any questions you've got. There are 6 spots available.

If you can't make it for this weekend don't fret, this is just the beginning. When I think about being an artist this is the stuff that makes my heart sing. I'm planning some one-day workshops in the near future, and Megan K and I are planning a super special retreat for later in 2010. More to come on all those things.

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I'll announce the winner of the wallpaper giveaway tomorrow so if you haven't put your name in and still want to, then go right ahead. The post is over here.

I'll have a new giveaway starting tomorrow as well. It's going to be a beauty.

Gosh, there's still so much news and thoughts to share. That will do for now I think.

OK, here goes, pushing PUBLISH POST and bringing a dream to life...

29 comments:

  1. Congratulations and well done my friend! I'm so glad that you've taken the amazing first step. I wish you all the luck that you deserve.

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  2. Yay - way to go Cathy! I'm sure it will be a great success - it sounds amazing!

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  3. Sounds fabulous. Gotta have a dream to have a dream come true! Way to go!!

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  4. Even the most seasoned have flutters Cathy. It's a good thing. You will do so very well and hopefully enjoy achieving this goal.

    It IS heart stopping when we realize we are the only ones keeping us from some of our dreams. To more realized dreams!

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  5. Congratulations Cathy, how very exciting that a dream is coming to such a wonderful reality. It sounds like a lovely weekend, I wish I was closer because it sounds like the perfect crafty weekend. Congrats again.

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  6. You've been up to some pretty interesting dreamweaving! May this be the start of many realised ones!

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  7. This is exciting. Congrats for having the gumption to chase your dream and catch it.

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  8. Hurrah - I'm so pleased for you!

    Some of us can only dream, but you actually do things Cathy. It won't be anything less than amazing, I'm sure.

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  9. What a wonderful idea! This sounds absolutely perfect for you.

    If I happen to make it to Australia during that time (stranger things have happened), I'll pop in and say hi!

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  10. Congratulations Cathy on launching your dream!

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  11. You go girl! It sounds completely awesome.

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  12. Congratulations Cathy! This must feel so good for you, I'm sure it'll be a fabulous weekend for all.

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  13. Congratulations and all the best with it, sounds fabbo !

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  14. Congratulations! It sounds wonderful :)

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  15. OMG. Are you KIDDING?!?! That is such brilliant news! Congratulations!

    (so, so happy for you!)

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  16. Congratulations! So very exciting - I can't wait to see and read about what comes next!

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  17. Congratulations!

    What an amazing, brave & exciting step you have taken into the great unknown - I hope it is a thrilling & amazing adventure!! (Annnnnnnnnd I wish I could come but I too poor lmao)

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  18. Good for you Cathy. Build it and they will come.

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  19. Congrats on making a decision to do something that you love. I can only hope to aspire to finding that place!

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  20. What a brilliant idea Cathy, It's wonderful to see a great idea blossom into a creative and inspiring weekend away. I so look forward to reading about the actual event...Congratulations to bringing it to fruition!

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  21. Congrats on your move forward :)

    Jen in Melbourne

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  22. Yay you! So brave and bold!!!
    It's all very exciting Cathy :)
    Love reading all of these comments - how wonderful to see the support and encouragement here for you - and, as Cam said, most deservedly.
    xo

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  23. Gosh that sounds wonderful! I wish I could come along... I think we'll be on our own dream come true adventure. Well done!!!

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  24. that is so very exciting! fantastic Cathy, that's a great dream coming into fruition. all the very best ♥

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  25. What a wonderful event to look forward to. I promise that if a spare $400 comes my way...I'm there.
    Well done on following that gut feeling, may it take you to many wonderful places (:

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  26. Good on you! You only regret what you don't try. I would love to join you. Will email you.

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  27. Awesome Cathy! I'm sure you will do a great job at it :)

    Shame I'm already planning a sewjourn in March! It would have been fun to learn from you!

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  28. oh what fun!!! wish i can come, sounds like a fun filled and wonderful retreat!....

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